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Steve Johnson begins throwing progression

Orioles pitcher Steve Johnson began his throwing progress today with a game of catch at the Ed Smith Stadium complex in Sarasota.

Johnson made 25 throws from 60 feet. He's waiting to find out what's next on his schedule.

Johnson, on the disabled list with a strained left oblique, sent out the following tweet earlier this morning:

"Threw today and felt good! Hopin to be back soon. Tired of being in Sarasota. Can't wait to get back"

This is the latest piece of encouraging injury/rehab news for the Orioles. Nolan Reimold is nearing a return from the disabled list, Wei-Yin Chen will pitch a four-inning simulated game Monday in Sarasota before starting a rehab assignment, and Brian Roberts will begin his rehab assignment Tuesday at Triple-A Norfolk.

The Orioles still haven't named a starter for Sunday afternoon in Toronto or Monday night against the Indians at Camden Yards. It depends in part on whether Freddy Garcia is used out of the bullpen today.

Garcia is expected to make one of those starts, and left-hander Zach Britton the other.

Since the start of the 2012 season, Gonzalez has posted a 2.94 ERA on the road in 101 innings, tops among American League starters with at least 100 innings pitched. Felix Hernandez is second at 3.03.

Gonzalez is 3-0 with a 3.34 ERA in five day games this season. In his eight career games (seven starts) in the daytime, Gonzalez is 3-1 with a 2.89 ERA over 46 2/3 innings.

The Orioles are 16-13 in day games, including 12-4 on the road. They're hitting .296 in day games. If they maintain that pace, it would be the highest daytime average by an American League team since the Red Sox batted .293 in 2005.

Chris Davis has 17 RBIs in his last nine games and is on pace for 151 RBIs. That's a lot, right?

Adam Jones has driven in 17 runs in his last 12 games and is on pace for 120 RBIs. Also a lot.

In his last 40 games since May 9, Davis is batting .354 with 13 doubles, 18 homers, 38 RBIs and 32 runs scored. He's 42-for-114 (.368) over his last 28 games.

If Buck Showalter really wants to channel his inner Earl today, he needs to be ejected while bringing out the lineup card. Amirite?